Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c7.985

c7.985

90) *Indra's Divinity*. In the earliest stage of Hinduism, Indra had occupied one of the most eminent places among the gods. Mahāviṣṇu had only the place of younger brother of Indra at that time. In Amara Kośa we find "Upendra Indrāvaraja" as the synonym of Viṣṇu. In Ṛgveda Indra has a more important place. Although Rudra is a divinity or deity and although there are references to Kapardin, there is not even a single stuti (praise) about Śiva in the Ṛgveda. Ṛgveda does not recognize Devīpūjā and idol worship. But in the Purāṇic age, Indra was transformed into a lascivious “Deva Prabhu” (Lord among the gods). Sardar K.M. Panikkar, in his preface to “Ṛgveda Saṃhitā” says about Indra:—“The main actor in Ṛgveda is Indra. In the war against the Dasyus the Āryas seek the help chiefly of Indra. Indra is represented as very handsome and of a golden complexion. His weapon is Vajra, thunderbolt which was made by Tvaṣṭā. Vāyu (wind) is his charioteer. He is constantly travelling about in the sky driving in his golden chariot. Indra likes drinking Soma juice more than the other gods. Indra is even referred to as “Somapa”. He is also sometimes described as the twin brother of Agni. Sages have sung unendingly about the exploits of Indra. Hiraṇyastūpa, a sage, has composed a work entitled “Indrastuti” which celebrates many of the heroic deeds of Indra. Indra was Vajrapāṇi who had slain the Asuras like Ahi, Tuṣṇa, Śambara, Vala, Vṛtra and others.